The brave new world of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept confined to science fiction; it is a powerful force reshaping the world as we know it. From accelerating scientific discoveries to altering the fabric of our economies, AI is profoundly impacting every aspect of our lives.

AI’s impact on scientific research is nothing short of revolutionary. In 2020, DeepMind’s AlphaFold cracked one of biology’s grand challenges by accurately predicting the 3D structures of proteins. This breakthrough has the potential to accelerate drug discovery, offering new hope for curing diseases that have long eluded scientists.

Similarly, AI-powered robots like those from LabGenius are automating routine tasks in laboratories, such as pipetting and mixing solutions, allowing scientists to focus on more complex problems. This automation not only speeds up research but also reduces human error, making scientific experiments more reliable.

In astronomy, AI has transformed how we explore the universe. For instance, AI analysed data from the Kepler Space Telescope, leading to the discovery of exoplanets like Kepler-90i – something that would have taken human astronomers years to accomplish. This capability extends to other fields as well, such as climate science, where AI-driven simulations provide more accurate weather forecasts. Google’s collaboration with the UK Met Office, for example, has resulted in AI models that predict rainfall with unprecedented precision, aiding in flood prevention and agricultural planning.

Healthcare, too, is being revolutionized by AI. IBM’s Watson for Oncology uses AI to analyse patient data and recommend personalized cancer treatment plans by comparing individual cases with vast medical literature. This has led to more effective treatments, improving the quality of life for countless patients. Moreover, AI-based diagnostic tools like those developed by Google’s DeepMind can detect diseases like eye conditions with an accuracy that rivals the best human specialists, enabling earlier and more precise interventions.

AI’s influence also extends to robotics and automation. In agriculture, AI-driven robots like those from John Deere are transforming farming by identifying and precisely targeting weeds with herbicides, drastically reducing chemical use while boosting crop yields. In climate science, AI is playing a crucial role in developing more efficient renewable energy sources. For example, the startup Heliogen uses AI to concentrate sunlight with extreme precision, creating heat that can replace fossil fuels in industrial processes.

In the realm of quantum computing, AI is breaking new ground. Google’s Sycamore quantum processor, combined with AI algorithms, has achieved ‘quantum supremacy’, solving problems that would take classical computers thousands of years to complete. This opens new frontiers in fields like cryptography and materials science, where complex problems can now be tackled more effectively. AI’s impact extends far beyond science and technology – it is also reshaping economies and societies.

AI-driven automation in industries like manufacturing has led to significant productivity gains. Tesla’s Gigafactories, for instance, use AI to optimize battery production, dramatically lowering costs and accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. However, this automation also raises concerns about job displacement. While AI is replacing some jobs, particularly in manufacturing and customer service, it is also creating new opportunities in fields like AI development, data science, and AI ethics.

Education is another area where AI is making a profound difference. Online platforms like Coursera and Duolingo use AI to personalize learning experiences, adapting course material in real-time based on a student’s performance. This ensures that students receive a tailored education, making learning more effective and accessible to millions worldwide. In finance, AI algorithms are transforming how markets operate. For example, JPMorgan’s AI program, LOXM, executes trades in a fraction of the time it would take a human trader, maximizing profitability and efficiency.

The concept of smart cities is becoming a reality thanks to AI. In Singapore, AI is used to optimize traffic flow, reducing congestion and pollution while improving the overall quality of life. AI-driven systems manage traffic lights and public transportation schedules, making urban mobility more efficient. Security is another critical area where AI is making a significant impact. AI-powered cybersecurity tools like Darktrace use machine learning to detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time, often neutralizing attacks before they can cause significant harm.

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds immense promise, it also presents significant dangers that must be addressed to ensure a safe and equitable future. One of the most immediate concerns is the displacement of jobs by AI-driven automation. As machines take over tasks in sectors like manufacturing, customer service, and data entry, many workers face the risk of unemployment.

Privacy is another major concern with AI. The technology’s ability to process vast amounts of data raises serious privacy issues. AI-driven surveillance systems can monitor individuals’ movements and behaviours, potentially leading to a society where personal privacy is severely compromised.

The development of AI-powered autonomous weapons represents a particularly alarming threat. These systems, which can make life-and-death decisions without human intervention, pose serious risks to global security. Imagine a scenario where autonomous drones or robots are used in warfare, making decisions about whom to target. Such technology could lead to unintended conflicts or accidents, escalating tensions between nations and creating a more dangerous world.

Another area of concern is the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) – AI systems that surpass human intelligence. These pose existential risks to humanity. While AGI is still theoretical, its potential raises profound concerns. If machines become more intelligent than humans, how can we ensure they act in our best interests? The fear is that AGI could act in ways that are harmful to humanity, either through unintended consequences or deliberate actions.

To mitigate these dangers, we must take proactive steps to ensure AI is developed and used responsibly. One of the most important measures is to establish strong regulatory frameworks that govern AI. Governments and international organizations must ensure that AI systems are transparent, accountable, and aligned with ethical standards. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets strict guidelines on how personal data can be collected and used, protecting individual privacy in the process.

In Pakistan several AI centres are being established on my initiative, including one at the Pakistan Austrian Fachhochschule (University of Applied Science and Engineering) in Haripur, Hazara and another within the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences at the University of Karachi.

The feasibility of a mega project involving establishing a network of such centres across Pakistan at a total cost of about Rs40 billion, submitted by the National Task Force on Technology Driven Knowledge Economy that is headed by me, has been completed by the Federal Ministry of IT/Telecommunications. These initiatives are aimed at transforming Pakistan to a strong knowledge economy.

The writer is a former federal minister, Unesco

science laureate and founding chairperson of the Higher

Education Commission (HEC). He can be reached at: ibne_sina@hotmail.com